Start presentations on the second slide (tidyfirst.substack.com)

Article summary

The article suggests starting presentations on the second slide, skipping the introductory slide. Commenters discuss the effectiveness of this approach in various contexts, including technical presentations and entertainment mediums. Some argue that it's more engaging to start with the main content, while others see value in introductory slides for setting context and establishing credibility. The discussion highlights the importance of considering the audience and purpose of the presentation.

Main themes

• Presentation structure
• Audience engagement
• Context and credibility
• Technical vs entertainment mediums
• Slide design and content

What commenters say

• Starting a presentation on the second slide can be an effective way to engage the audience and get straight to the main content.
• Introductory slides can be useful for setting context and establishing credibility, especially in formal or technical presentations.
• Some argue that introductory slides are unnecessary and can be seen as a waste of time, especially if the audience is already familiar with the topic.
• The effectiveness of starting on the second slide depends on the audience and purpose of the presentation, with different approaches suitable for different contexts.
• Using bullet points in presentations can be seen as a form of 'cargo culting', where presenters include them out of habit or convention without considering their actual effectiveness.
• Others argue that bullet points can be useful if used sparingly and in a way that supports the presentation, rather than distracting from it.
• The concept of 'cargo culting' in presentations refers to the practice of including elements without understanding their purpose or effectiveness, and can apply to slide design and content as well as structure.
• Presenters should consider the dual purpose of slides, both as a visual aid during the presentation and as a reference material for later use, and design them accordingly.